No one goes around shouting for you to join in and all but the water polo takes place in locations away from the main areas (i.e. It was nice. Rates at Ikos Oceania start from180/215pernight based on two people sharing a double room on an all-inclusive basis. Based in Greece, the Ikos group of hotels is at the forefront of the new thinking, and is leading the way with its pre-paid-luxury approach to holidaying. ), Dining - such as at Fusco - is a real highlight. Room Service:Both hotels offer an excellent room service menu. No delays. My wife and I (only) stayed at the Ikos Olivia from 20th June till 4th July 2016. The all-white, glass-walled Ouzo restaurant, with potted lemon and olive trees, for instance, has traditional Greek dishes designed by Lefteris Lazarou. Across the globe, too often the concept has been about piling them high, and selling them cheap with non-branded drinks, group activities (shudder!) I would highly recommend. Transfer back to the airport was accompanied by a Thomson-Frst Choice rep in 2015 from the Oceania, but was unaccompanied (i.e. more. Part of the main buffet building, but completely cut off and separate from it with its own entrance, it sat right on the beach and had a great atmosphere. We compared the lowest prices from 9 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 13 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 12 websites, We compared the lowest prices from 14 websites. So, its no surprise, given the success of both resorts whichfollow the sameethos,that the Ikos group is already planning two further properties. They have free pedals and kayaks which were good fun with the kids. With a focus on freshly-caught fish and classic Greek recipes the standout dishes here include Shrimps Saganaki cooked with Limnio Wine, Baked Tomato and Estragon, Octopus cooked with Onions Confit and Fava, and the signature dish Lamb Kleftiko with Potato Puree, which is cooked for 48 hours and is the most popular dish in the whole resort (do NOTgo home without trying it. East Midlands is a nice smaller airport with easy access off the M1. This building was right on the edge of the smaller infinity pool (over 12 years only) on the north-west side of the resort. Provence is probably the most sophisticated of the bunch with the renowned brothersJacques & Laurent Pourceloverseeing a Med-inspired menu bursting with flavour: think 'Steamed Mussels', 'Pea Gazpacho', Sea Bass with Bean Puree and Bouillabaise, Creamy Orzo Pasta with Pumpkin and Ricotta and Fig Tart with Yoghurt Ice Cream. Overall, surroundings are design-orientatedand seductive and even when the hotel is full, it is one of the places where it never feels like it is. We don't and the kids didn't bother us like they did other people we spoke to. OTHER GUESTS:No issues at the Oceania in 2015. At a cost of 27 million, the hotel has enhanced all of its 290 rooms and suites, restaurants, spa and public areas. The Ikos Oceania is set on the side of a slope/hill and the accommodation consists of five 3 storey buildings (one being the Deluxe accommodation) with about 20/25 rooms on each floor. I should mention there is coral at both beaches. There was a kids club although we didn't use it - it looked good though when we went for a look. TRAVEL DETAILS: Olivia This was located on the ground floor of one or the 3 spokes of the main building, and overlooked the main pool. On both occasions we booked with Thompson-First Choice (Thompson site in 2015 and First Choice site in 2016 as that was the only one with Ikos Olivia). On both occasions we flew on a Monday afternoon flight from East Midlands, with a Monday evening return flight. If you don't like kids then use them. It was a great evening, but it did mean we missed out on having another special Greek a-la-carte meal (and we were too near the end of the holiday by then to change anything else). You may opt-out by. The return flight to East Midlands was straightforward on both occasions and the car was a 30 second stroll from the Departure exit FINAL THOUGHTS:Despite all the fantastic things about holidaying at the Ikos Oceania and Olivia (especially the quality of the food and drink) we have come away with one overriding memory, and that is the absolutely fantastic service provided by the staff. Upon arrival we were guided to reception where we received a glass of sparkling wine whilst we were checked in. We had a number of very lovely meals there accompanied by some excellent wine. As at the Oceania, the pool bar was open on a number of nights for events. Staff just can't do enough for you. At the Oceania in 2015 we were so hungry on arrival that even after the provided sandwich, we ordered in that night! If that's what you want then don't hesitate to go. I cant tell you how lovely it was sat drinking wine, eating lunch. We had originally only booked in there on one evening andf had book the dine-out option twice, but had such a nice time that we swapped one dine-out in order to dine-in at the Greek. Olivia: We never used the main pool by the main building but met people who did and apparently its quiet there in the morning as everyone heads down to the beach. However I would like to say a special thank you to the following: Thanos (tennis coach), Thanos (sports centre), Stefan & Elana (Provence), Georgios (Provence & Anaya) and Andrei (Main Pool/Teatro).Despite such an amazing holiday there is always room for further improvements and the following is my list of niggles which I hope will be reviewed by the resort's management:Check-in: The check-in service last year was much more personal and similar to the check in service at Porto Sani Resort. You need to book when you arrive - they are so busy although eating early (one year old) made it more accessible. Twists on Italian classics include Pizza Carbonara and Champignons Consomm with Black Truffle (the latter is a culinary dream), followed by a choice of light, summery pastas such as Seafood Linguini and Prawn Ravioli with Peas and Lemon. ), so consequently theyve been heading the other side of the Aegean to Greece. When you lay round the pool you have a person bringing you drinks, bringing fresh water melon, cleaning your sunglasses, remaking your sun loungers when you go to lunch and bringing you cool flannels! There was a large safe in the wardrobe (free), a good TV (not that we watched it), and really comfortable beds/mattresses with good quality pillows. The weather was 35 degrees every day and no rain. In 2016 we were the third stop after just over an hour as the Olivia is about another 15/20 minutes further down the coast. at the sports facility, etc). Thats the way we like it :-) The evening:The theatre at the Oceania is indoors on the same floor as reception/main bar/Helios bar. I was particularly impressed with the improvements to the menu and the cooking of the food at the Asian restaurant. We couldnt book in anywhere that first night, but managed to book the rest of the entire 14 night stay in one go (no getting up early every day to queue! If you want to sleep round the pool and want peace and quiet use the pool near the main hotel. You can book it 24 hours before due check-out and is subject to availability. Fathers Day Gift Guide: The Best Overnight Bags For Dad, Why You Should Consider Booking A Hawaiian Villa For A Future Stay, The New Big 5: Wildlife Photography & Conservation, Top 5 Design Tips For Making Your Home Feel Like A Luxurious Hotel, Female Hospitality Business Owners Reveal Their Favorite Travel Memories, Laura Prepon Recalls The Strangest Interaction She Had On An Airplane, 4 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Tequila, Mothers Day Gift Guide: Most Chic And Comfy Travel Outfits. la carte restaurants, which all offermenus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, stylish dining rooms and slick service. Some lovely menu choices with excellent wines to accompany, we had an excellent meal on every visit. Their is not a long trouser policy for men. and you do have to be careful going all inclusive.however we all thought the dining was great, and a very reasonable wine selection (for all inclusive).Would we return? WAS a problem for my wife in 2016 at the Olivia. It's a fantastic hotel. As well as tennis and squash courts, there is a beach club with watersports, volleyball, sailing and pedalos. (and not for the last time that holiday!) After we finished, our luggage was already on a gold cart - we got on too and were taken to our room. Both hotels also offer a dine-out option at no extra charge, where you can eat at a local taverna. Next up is Ikos Dassia, opening in Corfu in May 2018, and reportedly already full for the month it opens. We had a small hedged garden equipped with a settee, 2 chairs, 2 sun loungers and a parasol. Fabulous place, great staff and a lot of thought went into the experience. The spa offers a heated pool, steam and sauna and a comprehensive range of Anne Semonin treatments for those me, me, me moments. The food and wine were excellent, but overall it was our least favourite of all the restaurants across both hotels. A little stony but still nice. However, this year there were two days during our stay when this did not happen and we had to request extra water and capsules.Dress Code: When dining at the Italian restaurant an Irish waitress pointed out to my husband that his footwear was not acceptable and ordered a golf buggy for him to change his shoes. We had a look at the Deluxe pool and it looked very nice, much more worth the money than the Deluxe pool at the Oceania, but having said that it still wouldnt make me pay the significant amount of money more to go Deluxe. Over the past couple of years, however, theres been a 'quiet' revolution taking place, and just like how the cruise industry has reinvigorated itself and shaken off its pensioner profile things are looking up for the sector, witha few noted luxury hotels rejuvenating what it means to be an all-inclusive. Can we hard to get loungers so go early. Balmy evenings can also mean al fresco meals out on the balcony overlooking the ocean. I would certainly go back but maybe in a group next time so we have people to hang out with in the evenings. The food served at all of the restaurants, even Flavours, was super fresh and delicious. Excellent selection of cocktails, wine and spirits at both. If this continues to increase the change in clientele could disrupt the peace and change the atmosphere of the resort. The flight was straightforward on both occasions. They simply cannot do enough for you. They spoke to them like they were something they had trodden in. Again, selection, quality and service excellent all round at both. pedaloes etc) but most of which is extra charge. Meanwhile, making sure that every culinary whim is catered for, and for those times whenyou just want to stay put, theres even 24-hour room service also included. East Midlands is a nice smaller airport with easy access off the M1. The pool bar was open on a number of evenings as a result of some of the evening events (like the Greek night, etc), as was the French after the restaurant had closed. The rooms were cleaned well every day and they would restock the mini bar too. It was nice. The beach is served by staff from the beach bar located next to the Greek on the watersports side, and also by staff working out of the main buffet restaurant (for that side of the beach). With its interconnecting rooms and spacious one-bedroom suites, with private gardens, balconies or terraces the hotel is particularly focused on bringing in families. Now, we travelled as a couple so I'm going to address the kids gripe that a lot of people have mentioned. We had a south-facing end bungalow with no first floor bungalow above us; in an excellent position on the west side of the resort, close up to the deluxe accommodation (we could see their pool and just about see the beach). Having been spoilt with our boutique hotel experience at the Oceania, we were a little disappointed with the location, or at least we were on our first evening visit as our table overlooked the door out from reception to the main pool! It started in 2015, when Ikos first made waves in the hotel industry when it opened its boutique offering Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki, Greece. One of the stylish suites at Ikos Oceania. This is an excellent arrangement whereby the local big all-inclusive hotel gives something back to the smaller community businesses. The beach was nice. No delays. I sorry to say but there was one set of guests at the Olivia in 2016 who were a problem Russians, although that problem was mainly directed at the staff. For 2016 we had booked Champagne & Chocolates for the flight (it was our anniversary) but we had to ask the Hostess where they were and they had to go and get them for us. There are many fantastic reviews about both these hotels, so rather than just add more of the same I thought I would do a comparison of the two as we have been to both now on successive summer holidays in 2015 and 2016. The restaurants are all fantastic, I guess it would come down to personal preference as to which you like the best. It's totally all inclusive - free food and drink everywhere and its branded spirits, not local, good wine lists and nice fresh juices, milkshakes, whatever you want. It was nice. One event (Beach party) was held at the Helios, which was an excellent decision and we all had a great night. At all the restaurants there are inspired childrens menus, too, which go far beyond the usual burger and basic pasta choices that the little ones are normally given. He even sought us out the following day to make sure everything was alright and to ensure we got the dress cleaned.More. No delays. From being met at the airport by one of the hotel cars (all seemed to be Mercedes) to being dropped off by the same car type, they really do their best to do EVERYTHING for you. We will definitely look to return in the future! One positive is that due to a local law in Greece, they have to supply bottled water at extremely competitive (cheap) prices. All went smoothly on both occasions. Sun if you wanted it, shade if you didnt. My partner and I stayed at this wonderful hotel the second week of July. TRAVEL DETAILS:My wife and I and out 17 year old daughter stayed at the Ikos Oceania from 29th June to 13th July 2015. If you can move after all that eating, then make sure you have a good ramble around the resort either on foot or on one of the bicyles available to hire (be warned: some of the hills are very steep). This year however, to be offered a cool towel and a welcome drink whilst asked to complete a form at the check-in desk really didn't work for me. The Helious bar was located over by (and overlooking) the beach, next to the French, and so offered something quite different to the main bar. I understand there for 2016 the Russians are under pressure not to use Turkey as a holiday destination (thats what happens went you shoot down a Russian plane! My wife and I and out 17 year old daughter stayed at the Ikos Oceania from 29th June to 13th July 2015. Thessaloniki is a fairly small airport and there isnt an awful lot there, but enough to keep you occupied. If you sat outside on the balcony you overlooked the resort and had ocean views. Consequently its a more compact site. The manager of the restaurant was mortified and although it was not the hotels fault, insisted that we put the dress in for dry cleaning at the hotels expense. To be honest there was nothing really that inspiring. We only ate there on two evenings but did eat breakfast and lunch there on quite a few days and found the selection and quality of food excellent. All branded drinks etc, with choices of so many wines that you can't make your mind up. Otherwise the Spa facilities at your disposal. The obligatory glass of sparkling wine was provided while we awaited the golf-buggy transfer to our accommodation. To further tempt you, theres Chicken Saltimbocca and Parmesan Risotto Arancini and Beef Tenderloing with Saffron Potato. Follow this author to improve your content experience. Very clean. There are also plenty of sunbeds here.